High impact interviews with top fundraisers and nonprofit leaders.

The podcast’s presenting sponsor is DickersonBakker. They’re committed to helping ministries and other nonprofits find a better way to fundraise.

What does it take to be a great fundraising organization?

What does it take to be a Great Fundraising Organization

I’m sure everyone in the nonprofit sector has an opinion on this. 

It’s one thing to think you know what it takes to be a great fundraising organization.

But it’s something entirely different to have the empirical data confirming what it takes to become a great fundraising organization.

And that’s exactly what my friend, Alan Clayton, Founder of Revolutionise, and author of the brand new book, Great Fundraising Organizations has. 

In fact, he and his team have compiled a decade of research and real-world results to prove what it takes for a charity to become a great fundraising organization.

And it’s probably not what you think. 

What Alan and his team discovered is that ultimately, those organizations that make the leap from average to great have a few key things in common.

The linchpin in an charity’s ability to become a great fundraising organization is leadership.

But it’s even more than that. 

Here are some of the key insights Alan and I discussed in this podcast episode:

  • Nonprofits operate as two businesses with one mission.
  • The most successful nonprofit leaders understand they run two businesses and optimize for both.
  • Emotional engagement is crucial for successful fundraising.
  • Leadership in nonprofits requires unique skill sets.
  • Respect for donors’ emotional needs drives fundraising success.
  • Effective fundraising requires a long-term investment mindset.
  • Building internal relationships is key for fundraisers.
  • Branding should support, not overshadow fundraising efforts.
  • Purpose-driven leadership enhances organizational effectiveness.
  • Conflict between fundraising and program departments can be constructive.
  • Training and education are essential for nonprofit leaders.

Alan and I have a deep shared appreciation and desire to inspire great leadership across the nonprofit sector. In fact, we believe so deeply in this that we and our firms have partnered in an initiative called The Campaign for Great Fundraising Leadership

We want to shine a light on great fundraising leaders and how their differences in leadership positively impact fundraising capacity.

As we do that, we also know that one of the most powerful ways to draw that distinction is to highlight what great fundraising leadership isn’t.

And that’s why we created something we like to call Laughable Leadership

At Laughable Leadership we are collecting anonymous stories of some of the worst fundraising leadership examples across our sector. We will keep these 100% anonymous and share these stories across the sector to shine a light on the fundraising leadership challenges faced by so many of our amazing colleagues around the sector. 

We invite you to share your own Laughable Leadership story with us and we’ll publish it (anonymously, of course) to help draw the distinction between great fundraising leadership and not so great fundraising leadership. 

 

 

Alan’s book, Great Fundraising Organizations, is available now on Amazon and everywhere you buy books. The insights in this book are foundational to an organization’s ability to build a great fundraising engine. I encourage you to grab a copy today!

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If this feels familiar, my friend Jim Krizan over at Higher Rock LLC can help you.

His team of expert Salesforce consultants can help with anything from Salesforce implementations, platform integrations, maintenance, reporting, and anything else you need to effectively use your Salesforce CRM.

You can get the help you need to maximize the impact of your Salesforce CRM.

Book a no-cost, no-obligation call with Higher Rock LLC today!

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What Others Are Saying On iTunes About
The Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast

"REAL, down-to-earth discussions..."
"Now you can stop going to events where people puff out their chests, often telling lies about how they closed this major gift or that one. Instead, just listen to this podcast. Finally, you can hear REAL, down-to-earth discussions from the best frontline fundraisers about ‘rainmaking’ – thanks to Andrew and Roy. This is a must-listen for anyone who is serious about making tremendous impact."
@Giftmaker
Nov 20, 2018
"Finally, someone who not only understands major gifting..."
"Finally, someone who not only understands major gifting in theory, but who brings a fully orbed view that they’ve actually applied in the blocking and tackling of MG work! The metrics given are legitimate because I personally employ very similar metrics and I know that these metrics work and are viable. The hosts bring substance coupled with practicality and years of proven experience. Finally, they’re versed on growing the entire donor pipeline from acquisition through legacy giving which is refreshing. This podcast is worth your time and can improve your skills whether you’re a proven professional fundraiser with decades of success or someone who’s just starting out and is hungry for growing generosity and closing deals."
@Closer4KingdomFunds
Dec 17, 2018
"Andrew and Roy are two fundraising pros..."
"Andrew and Roy are two fundraising pros who’ve rounded up leaders across the spectrum to share ideas and insights gained from years of experience in the nonprofit space. This is a great podcast for anyone looking to better understand the many facets of fundraising. Enjoy!"
@Megankred76
Nov 20, 2018

About the Podcast

In the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast, co-hosts Andrew Olsen, CFRE and Roy Jones, CFRE provide an in-depth look at fundraising and donor trends and opportunities in the nonprofit industry. Featuring interviews with leading authors and other industry experts, the podcast explores topics relevant to those in nonprofit leadership who strive to sharpen their skills, grow their teams, and maximize their impact in the world.